2011 G.D. Vajra Barbera d'Alba

G.D. Vajra was established in the 1960s on land that had been in the Vajra family for several generations. Aldo Vajra was a young man in the 1960s who decided to leave Turin, where he had grown up, and build a life for himself as a farmer. For the next several decades Aldo and his wife Milena ran the estate, inherited from a grandfather, and made wines that were quickly leaders in their categories. Today G.D. Vajra has grown to 125 acres and produces nearly 300,000 bottles annually. Son Giuseppe Vajra now works as winemaker. The estate produces Barolo, Barbera, Dolcetto d’Alba, Langhe Nebbiolo, Langhe Rosso, Freisa, a sparkling wine and several other wine styles. Wine writers have praised the wines and the winery. Robert M. Parker Jr. has noted that “It is fairly common for a producer to make one great wine, and it is also common to find a quality gap between an estate’s top wine(s) and the more modest ones. Not here. Every wine I tasted was impeccably made and showed this producer’s elegant, graceful style at its finest.” Gambero Rosso has frequently given its highest award of 3 glasses to Vajra Barolos, and the journal has noted that “Vajra Nebbiolos are renowned for their elegance….”

Barbera d’Alba is a DOC centered around the town of Alba, and it is considered home to some of the best wines made from the Barbera grape. Barbera is the most frequently planted grape in Piedmont, thanks to its adaptability and vigorous character. It is easier to grow and less susceptible to adverse weather than Nebbiolo, which is grown in neighboring appellations. Barbera in general has relatively low tannins but high acidity, and the wines tend to have flavors of ripe currant and cherry. The Barbera DOC was created in 1970 and the DOC wines must be 100% Barbera.

This red wine is from Piedmont. It is known for low tannins and high acidity, which makes it taste both light-bodied and rich. Barbera most often drinks early, but some variations can be cellared. The wine is relatively inexpensive and flexible for pairing.